10 Classic Toys That Were Marketed in Terrible Ways
These beloved toys might’ve been fun to play with, but their ads were downright bizarre, tone-deaf, or just plain wrong.
- Chris Graciano
- 2 min read
Great toys don’t always come with great marketing. In fact, some of the most iconic playthings from the past were introduced to the world through confusing, over-the-top, or even cringe-worthy ad campaigns. Here are 10 classic toys that deserved better than the way they were sold to us.
1. Barbie Teen Talk (1992)
Mike Mozart on Flickr
With phrases like “Math class is tough,” this doll stirred instant backlash. Meant to seem relatable, it instead reinforced harmful gender stereotypes.
2. Creepy Crawlers (1960s-1990s)
Toho Scope on Flickr
The ads made it look like crafting bugs was the ultimate kid thrill — but forgot to mention you needed a mini oven that got dangerously hot. “Easy-Bake for boys” was the idea, but the execution left many burned fingers.
3. Lawn Darts (Jarts)
/dave/null on Wikimedia Commons
These metal-tipped darts were shown as harmless backyard fun, with families laughing as they hurled spikes through the air. The ads downplayed serious injury risks, despite mounting accidents.
4. Skip-It
Tiger Electronics on Wikimedia Commons
The commercial had kids jumping like champions, but the reality was often bruised ankles and frustration. Its jingle was catchy — maybe too catchy — but the marketing made it look way more fun than it actually was.
5. My Buddy Doll
PINKE on Flickr
Marketed as the ultimate male bonding toy, this doll was supposed to teach boys nurturing skills. Instead, the ads leaned so hard into masculinity that it became awkward and uncomfortable.
6. Water Wiggle
Dan O’Leary on Flickr
Supposed to be a wacky sprinkler toy, the ads showed kids laughing as a hose-powered head whipped around. What they didn’t show was the toy’s tendency to hit kids in the face at high speed — or worse.
7. Baby Alive (1980s version)
twitchery on Flickr
The commercials touted her ability to eat, drink, and — yes — “poop.” Aimed to be life-like, the execution felt more gross than impressive.
8. Moon Shoes
Crystal Calderon on Flickr
Marketed as “mini trampolines for your feet,” these chunky strap-on shoes made jumping look magical. Ads had kids bouncing high and grinning widely.
9. Sock’em Boppers
Antonio Friedemann on Pexels
“More fun than a pillow fight!” claimed the ads, encouraging kids to punch each other with inflatable gloves. They were soft, sure — but the messaging definitely promoted roughhousing.
10. Baby Wee Wee
Polesie Toys on Pexels
Yes, this toy really did what the name suggests. Ads proudly showcased the doll’s “realistic” function with no context or subtlety. Many found it more weird than educational.